The Northwestern Wildcats came close to ending a 59 year bowl-win drought, but in the end a few key plays kept the ‘Cats from winning their first bowl game since 1949.

The Missouri Tigers beat the Wildcats 30-23 in overtime to win the 17th annual Alamo Bowl Monday night. The ‘Cats had several opportunities to win the game, but the team couldn’t seal the win.

Northwestern (9-4), given very little chance of winning the game by most pundits, more than held their own against Missouri (10-4). The ‘Cats forced one-time Heisman favorite QB Chase Daniel to throw three interceptions, and shut down RB Derrick Washington, holding him to 44 yards. The NU defense even held NFL prospect WR Jeremy Maclin to 39 receiving yards.

Trailing 20-16 to Missouri late in the third quarter, the ‘Cats looked to take control of the game after safety Brad Phillips picked off Daniel. On the ensuing possession, Bacher threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to Ross Lane to put Northwestern in front by three.

But the ‘Cats couldn’t close the game out, and gave Missouri the chance to win the game with a final drive. Missouri kicker Jeff Wolfert made a rare miss on a 44-yard kick, however, and the game went into overtime.

In OT, Daniel hit Maclin with a seven-yard touchdown pass to give the Tigers the lead. The ‘Cats had a chance to answer, but a Bacher fumble on third down put Northwestern on the Missouri 31. On fourth down, a Bacher pass to Andrew Brewer fell incomplete in the endzone, giving the Tigers the win.

Correction: The article originally stated that Bacher’s final pass was intended for Andrew Miller, not Brewer. Thanks to Aaron for pointing out the error.